Saturday, November 19, 2011

All About the Jetpack - A revisit.

Last year on CNN we discussed the Martin Jetpack. The Martin Jetpack was named one of Time Magazines 50 Best Inventions in 2010 and has been over 27 years in the making. Though its early 2011 availability was pushed back perhaps it may see timing aligned with another jetpack that was unveiled this week and received a lot of media attention– the JetLev. The JetLev will hit retail early 2012 for a pricetag of $100,000.

The JetLev operates different than the Martin Jetpack and both have very different objectives. JetLev is manufactured by MS Watersports in Germany, though it should be noted it will be carried state-side. It is a water-propelled pack powered by a 250hp engine that pumps 1,000 gallons of water per minute through a 33- foot hose. It can generate up to 500lbs of thrust.

The JetLev can support individuals from 4.9 to 6.5ft and in terms of weight 88 to 330lbs. It takes to heights of up to 30 ft in the air and also comes in a bevy of colors. It hits top speeds of 47km/h and touts several hours of air time thanks to a 26-gallon fuel capacity.

It foremost use will be as a resort and recreational device. Individuals will need to be trained but it supposedly only takes “minutes” to figure out.

And because I simply have to... here it is in an epic #fail.

Switching gears – lets briefly compare it to the Martin Jetpack which uses two ducted fans for lift. It is considered a more ‘practical unit’ – (still weird calling a jetpack practical albeit sci-fi). It is designed by engineer Glenn Martin and as noted has been nearly 30 years in the making. It successfully completed a 5000 feet climb in May of this year. The initial climb scaled 800 feet/minute (it actually had to be slowed down because the chase helicopters could not keep up on the climb!) Skipping the morning commute is not a problem with capability to travel up the 31 miles at speeds of up to 63mph and altitude of an estimated 8,000 feet. It can be piloted for a half hour. Since it is considered an ultralight vehicle, or sometimes referred to as a backpack helicopter, no license is required in the US.

There was interest from the Department of Defense in using in Search and Rescue Operations, emergency response, and also to enable jet pack experiences around the world.

Here is a look at the Martin Jetpack.

My thoughts ---I’m not holding my breath until both of these are released. I am also more so looking forward to the Martin knowing the amount of R&D that has went in to it. Stay tuned….

2 comments:

Hi Katie, I just spent some time reading your articles, and watching the videos. I think I recognized you on CBS as the Famous Lady that kissed the Sailor in Times Square, you still look great! You do a wonderful job presenting us with information and knowledge. I for one, will never be at the cutting edge of the Digital Age, but I would like to know what's available and how it works. America needs you! A lot of the people I speak to resist anything that requires inter action with a digital device. Somehow someone has to keep this generation of Americans, some of who made all this possible in spite of their lack of technical savvy, from missing out on the amazing benefits available to them. I think you could help this segment of America join the digital celebration. P.S. If you speak to Tony at CBS tell him, I think his food spot is one of the best, John B.

Hi! I'm Katie Linendoll and I am a sports-tech contributor to ESPN, ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine. I also am a regular tech contributor on the Today Show and I host a show on Spike TV. I have a degree in IT new media from Rochester Institute of Technology.

I am blessed with the ultimate dream jobs. Whether I am jetpacking across the Pacific Ocean, discovering new telepresence robots that are changing healthcare or interviewing amazing personalities such as Jamie Foxx, John Cusack, Gabby Douglas or RG3, I'm continually exploring how everyone's lives intersect with technology. I am always on the hunt to find the latest and greatest in tech, so be sure and tune in or log on to follow my latest discoveries.